Authorities are conducting a death investigation after a suspicious fire in the 100 block of South 33rd Street.
According to police, a call came in just after 2 a.m. when a passing motorist said they smelled heavy smoke in the area. Residents described smoke as pouring from the back of the home. “ When I walked to the back the whole house was collapsing and the I seen the fire department running through the house. They wrapped somebody in a sheet,” Edward Johnson said.
http://liarcatchers.com/arson_investigation.html
After firefighters extinguished the fire, they found the body of 70 year-old Houston McCorkle in the front of the house that was identified as the resident and was living alone.
Sasha Richmond, who just moved to the neighborhood recently, meet McCorkle just a few weeks ago when he introduced himself to her. She described his as a kind man. “He just came over and asked me and my sister what are names was and welcomed us to the neighborhood. I remember him saying he had a big collection of movies and invited us over to get some anytime. He was really nice.”
Police say the condition of the victim’s body indicated foul play and that has left resident uneasy. “ I thought it was an accident. No one deserves to die like that. It’s sad,” said Jessica Wadlington.
Homicide and arson officials are currently investigating.
There have been no arrests or suspects identified at this time. Anyone with information is asked to call 574-LMPD.
